Ghana: Energy Minister Commissions $2.3 Million SECO-Funded Mini-Grid Project In Ada East Municipality

Ghana has officially commissioned a mini-grid project in three island communities with a total capacity of 253.26 kWp in the Ada East Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.

The project, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) at a cost of $2.3 million, will provide electricity access to over 3,700 residents in the three island communities. The three island communities benefiting from the mini-grids are Alorkpem, Azizakpe, and Aflivie.

Although sod-cutting for the project was done on October 6, 2020, some issues delayed the project’s completion schedule.

The project was executed by Messrs Techno Trama Ambienta of Spain.

Commissioning the mini-grid project, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, stated that the project testifies to the government’s unwavering commitment to bridging the energy access gap for all Ghanaians, regardless of their location.

This project is part of Ghana’s efforts to increase electricity access in isolated communities, particularly island communities along the Volta Lake.

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With the lights now turned on, over 3,700 residents will have access to clean, reliable, and sustainable electricity for the first time.

“This is not merely an infrastructure project. It’s a promise fulfilled, opening new opportunities for education, healthcare, business, and improved livelihoods,” Minister Jinapor said.

He instructed the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to incorporate the tariff proposal submitted by the Volta River Authority (VRA) into the upcoming bulk generation tariff review.

This measure aims to ensure the recovery of operations and maintenance costs, enhancing the long-term sustainability and quality of electricity services.

Minister Jinapor commended the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) for their generous funding and collaboration, which made this achievement possible.

Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Simone Giger, described the project as historic but expressed concern about maintaining the project after commissioning.

“It would be unfortunate if the project isn’t properly maintained,” she emphasized.

Ambassador Giger encouraged the beneficiary communities to leverage the project to fulfill their dreams.

The Ada East Municipality Chief Executive representative expressed gratitude to the Swiss Government and Government of Ghana on behalf of the beneficiary communities. The project is expected to boost economic activities, support healthcare, and improve academic performance among school children, who can now study at night.

According to Ing. Edward Obeng-Kenzo, Chief Executive Officer of Volta Riverr Authority the project demonstrates of shared commitment to equitable development and inclusive access to energy.

Expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition for its assurance of providing the necessary support towards fully optimizing the mini grid systems, Ing. Obeng-Kenzo said VRA remains committed to the project’s long-term sustainability and efficient management.

“It is our expectation that this project will have a profound impact on the local economy of these communities and truly add value to their lives for socio-economic development,’’ he added.

Source:https://energynewsafrica.com